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Lighting for Clam/SPS corals


ians_reef

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To start with i have BC29 with two 36watt bulbs. So the standard lighting that comes with it. I went to a LFS the other day and asked about getting a clam for my tank. He said my lights were not good enough and suggestion I get a Kessil A360W for my tank. Is my lighting I have now good enough for any clam? Should i get that particular Kessil or should i get the Kessil A350w? Any other lighting suggestions?

Also if I do upgrade the lights, I want to be able to grow SPS corals down the road.

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bdevillier19

With either the 350 or 360 you will be able to keep anything you want as long as your water parameters are correct. I think the only difference between the 350 and 360 is that the 360 can be hooked up to a controller. Not sure if there is any difference in the led configuration though. The 350 is cheaper and will work fine.

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With either the 350 or 360 you will be able to keep anything you want as long as your water parameters are correct. I think the only difference between the 350 and 360 is that the 360 can be hooked up to a controller. Not sure if there is any difference in the led configuration though. The 350 is cheaper and will work fine.

I don't plan on getting a controller for this tank so i am leaning towards the 350.

Thank you for your advice B)

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bdevillier19

be sure to start your led intensity low so you dont bleach things because going from PC to LED is a big switch and the a350 is a lot of power for that tank.

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be sure to start your led intensity low so you dont bleach things because going from PC to LED is a big switch and the a350 is a lot of power for that tank.

So I would put it at a low setting to start off with. After how many days would I wait before increasing the intensity each time?

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bdevillier19

I'm not familiar with the kessil because I have never owned one but I'd say start around 20% or so and see how your corals react. If you have ZOA's then check to see if they are reaching for light. I'd go up 5-10% every 7-10 days at the most. The slower you go the less likely you are to fry things.

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Kessil is a good choice. to answer your first question directly, no the PC lighting in the BC hood is not sufficient for any clam (just to be clear). There are a number of options which could work, the kessil is certainly one.

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I'm not familiar with the kessil because I have never owned one but I'd say start around 20% or so and see how your corals react. If you have ZOA's then check to see if they are reaching for light. I'd go up 5-10% every 7-10 days at the most. The slower you go the less likely you are to fry things.

alright thank you. if i get it ill definitely take it slow with the light intensity.

 

before you buy a kessil you should check out nano box. The nano box duo would be perfect.

I just looked at it and it looks awesome, but it is a little out of the price range i want to pay.

 

Kessil is a good choice. to answer your first question directly, no the PC lighting in the BC hood is not sufficient for any clam (just to be clear). There are a number of options which could work, the kessil is certainly one.

The owner of a LFS store said I could have a derasa or crocea clam in my tank with the lights i have now but not a maxima. Would you agree that is possible or no?

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The owner of a LFS store said I could have a derasa or crocea clam in my tank with the lights i have now but not a maxima. Would you agree that is possible or no?

 

There are people that know more about clams than I do, and hopefully they chime in, but I very sincerely doubt it.

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Dave over at nano box also does custom retrofits for BC hoods

oh sweet. ill shoot him an email and see what he can do. I do like the look of the nano box more then the kessil.

 

 

There are people that know more about clams than I do, and hopefully they chime in, but I very sincerely doubt it.

Okay. Ill take precaution and not purchase a clam until i upgrade my lights.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Found more options and would like your everyone's opinion on them:

The OceanRevive Arctic S2026

The Reefbreeders Value LED

Im a bit hesitant about these because they are in the $150 mark so quality wise i am a little worried.

Are these good enough to have clams? Any opinions? Anyone own one?

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The retro from Dave at Nano Box is awesome. I have an install thread over in his sponsor forum. Let me know if you have any questions.

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The retro from Dave at Nano Box is awesome. I have an install thread over in his sponsor forum. Let me know if you have any questions.

Have you had the Mono or Duo? Im thinking about one of those over the retro fit.

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I have the Duo.

 

 

I also have the Duo over my jbj 30g rimless. Its friggin awesome.

Overall, would you say the quality is amazing and great bang for ya buck? Is it easy to program how you want the lights to be at certain times?

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Overall, would you say the quality is amazing and great bang for ya buck? Is it easy to program how you want the lights to be at certain times?

 

It's very simple to program and adjust. I'm very happy with the results and feel it's was well worth the cost. The Storm controller is awesome!

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Hi All, i'm very new to this site/forum but already loving it! So many useful informations and georgeous pictures just what I needed! i got my Boyu tl450 2 weeks ago, loaded now with live rocks and sand. My question is do you think for corals like zoas/mushrooms do I need to change the lights (2x18w)? many thanks for everybody's advice! :)

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ians_reef

I have narrowed it down to the two lights that I want.

either the Kessil 360W or the Nanobox Duo.

 

I like the Kessil because its simple to use and great quality. It doesn't need a controller which i won't be getting anyways, and it costs $50 less. I like its simple look, but not sure if i just want a black circle on a gooseneck over my tank.

 

I like the Duo because of the over look and customization of colors,it has a controller, but it cost $50 more (not a huge factor).

 

Both I would like to have, but I need some input for you guys. Any feedback from those who have either one would be great and maybe some pics too.

Thanks :rolleyes:

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Sounds like the Nanobox is the winner from what you said! I had one of Dave's earlier lights - it really brought out the colors in the tank. The newer ones are more controllable and, from what I hear, even better. My only experience with Kessil is an A150 I recently got for my frag tank. I like it but I think you're right that the larger Kessil won't look as aesthetically pleasing over the tank. Factor in the extra adjustability of the Nanobox and unless you're on a tight budget, $50 more sounds well worth it. IMO.

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You really cant go wrong with the duo. If you have some extra cash opt for the blue fish controller from dave instead of the storm controller. The blue will be a full aquarium controller some time this year. You can controll the blue fish with your Android or os phone or tablet.

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ians_reef

You really cant go wrong with the duo. If you have some extra cash opt for the blue fish controller from dave instead of the storm controller. The blue will be a full aquarium controller some time this year. You can controll the blue fish with your Android or os phone or tablet.

I am leaning more towards the Duo.

Do you have any idea how much more the blue will be?

 

Sounds like the Nanobox is the winner from what you said! I had one of Dave's earlier lights - it really brought out the colors in the tank. The newer ones are more controllable and, from what I hear, even better. My only experience with Kessil is an A150 I recently got for my frag tank. I like it but I think you're right that the larger Kessil won't look as aesthetically pleasing over the tank. Factor in the extra adjustability of the Nanobox and unless you're on a tight budget, $50 more sounds well worth it. IMO.

Ya it does seem like i have chosen the Duo already. I don't mind paying the extra 50 for the controllability and better eye pleasing light fixture.

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